Fiji’s most celebrated rugby 7s player, Jerry Tuwai, has announced his retirement from playing and his intention to pursue a career in coaching.
The 35-year-old revealed his decision after the team secured second place at the Paris Olympics Men’s rugby 7s competition over the weekend. Reflecting on his career, Tuwai described it as an incredible journey, highlighted by his two Olympic gold medals won in Rio and Tokyo.
He expressed gratitude for the chance to compete in another Olympics and to share his experiences with new team members in Paris. Tuwai plans to transition into coaching, with hopes of collaborating with coach Osea Kolinisau in the future.
Tuwai’s debut for Fiji came at the Gold Coast 7s in 2014, and his illustrious career includes two Olympic gold medals, one Olympic silver medal, three HSBC World 7s series titles, a Rugby 7s World Cup title, and two Commonwealth Games silver medals. He was honored as the World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year in 2019 and was named the World Rugby Men’s 7s Player of the Decade in 2020.
Supporters rallied to watch the team’s valiant effort at 5:30 am FJT on Sunday in the 7s final of the 2024 Olympic Games, where they ultimately accepted defeat against the French team and claimed the silver medal. This achievement places Tuwai ahead of legends like Michael Jordan, who has two Olympic gold medals, and LeBron James, who has three Olympic medals. Jerry Tuwai has now solidified his status as one of the greatest players in the history of rugby 7s, boasting a record of three Olympic medals from three games, in addition to his 7s World Cup title.
While Waisele Serevi is known as the Wizard of 7s rugby, Jerry Tuwai can now be hailed as the King.
